Baltimore, MD – The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT) celebrates the enactment of Baltimore’s Complete Streets Legislation, signed into law by Mayor Catherine Pugh on Friday, November 30, 2018. The legislation was introduced by Councilmember Ryan Dorsey, with the support of Council President Jack Young, Council Transportation Committee Chair Edward Reisinger and other City Council cosponsors. The law has already received national attention and praise from the Complete Streets Coalition and other local and national transportation and urban advocates.

The legislation fulfills Mayor Pugh’s commitment, recommended by her Transportation Transition team, to strengthen Baltimore’s 2010 Complete Streets Resolution and DOT’s 2013 Complete Streets Policy.  The ordinance includes the highest level policy directive and mandates detailing design specifications reflecting best practices and, importantly, compliance and accountability. Under the new legislation, the entire DOT program will be implemented based on Complete Streets.

DOT is focused on connecting Baltimore’s communities with transportation networks while changing and transforming the quality of life in city neighborhoods.  As examples, DOT has built over 125 lane miles of bike facilities and the City recently launched a pilot program for dockless scooters and bicycles. DOT is providing Complete Streets in communities throughout the city and is expanding these efforts. Our vision of multi-modal transportation will continue to grow and include full interconnectivity of all modes and travel options, system preservation and innovation for convenient travel in Baltimore. As DOT projects progress, Baltimore City residents and visitors will see city streets become safer for all users.

“Baltimore’s roadways should safely accommodate pedestrians, motorists and cyclists, and this legislation will help us achieve that objective,” said Transportation Director Michelle Pourciau.  “With Complete Streets legislation, the importance of safe access for all users of the city’s transportation network is emphasized. Our Complete Streets legislation will ultimately provide citizens with additional transportation choices, improved accessibility, and a more welcoming street environment for better livability throughout all communities.”

The final legislation arose from close collaboration between DOT, Councilman Dorsey, and the Council President’s Office since the bill was introduced in July 2017.  With other City agencies, the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Commission, and transportation advocacy groups, DOT worked through the summer of 2018 to craft amendments that made the bill stronger and more effective. Pursuant to the ordinance, DOT is now working to develop a best practices Complete Streets Manual that will guide the implementation of Baltimore’s Complete Streets policy and provide project design details. The law also creates a Complete Streets Advisory Committee with representatives from city agencies to promote coordination and help prioritize transportation projects.

“Safe passage on and through our streets is critical to Baltimore’s livability, and DOT, the Mayor, and City Council should be proud of this cutting-edge legislation” said Jon Laria, Chair of the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Commission. “We must continue to work together to make our streets welcoming for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

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